Visit with experts at the Ek’ Balam archaeological site, an ancient city that saw its days of glory before even Chichen Itza. Recent works in restoration make this place one of the most novel archaeological attractions in the region. Discover the majestic Cenote Maya, the cenote with the largest vault in the entire Yucatán Peninsula, and wonder at this natural jewel with its beautiful geological formations where you can swim and enjoy adventure activities. Get to know the Mayan culture, participate in a blessing ceremony, visit a traditional Mayan house and enjoy a lunch of traditional dishes prepared with vegetables from our organic garden. Take your memories home with you in the form of photos of your activities, taken by photographers from the Mayan communities themselves!
Itinerary (Full-Day Tour)
- 6:00-8:45 a.m. (Pick-up at the different hotels in tourism areas based on their locations).
- 9:00-10:00 a.m. Arrival (approximate) at Ek’Balam.
- Ek’Balam (45-minute guided visit and 45 minutes of free time at the archaeological site). Get to know the pre-Hispanic city whose name in Mayan means “black jaguar”, one of the most impressive ceremonial centers of the Yucatan Peninsula, featuring the incredibly detailed decorated temples and plazas. Admire the magnificent high-relief sculptures that have surprised by archeologists and visitors. Be amazed by such imposing structures as the “false arch” and the detailed explanations from your guide during the trip, along with the “Acropolis”, the only structure in the Yucatán you are permitted to climb.
- 12:30 p.m. (approximate arrival at Cenote Maya Native Park).
- Cenote Maya Native Park (3 hours at the park). Discover and Refresh Yourself at the Cenote Maya: descend into the cenote with the largest vault in the entire Yucatán Peninsula. Its diameter is over 60 meters (196 feet) and is almost perfectly circular. Its crystal-clear waters and rock formations make this a great natural jewel. You can access it by stairs or by rappelling down into it!
- Optional Included Adventure Activities: Cenote swim, dives, the “trepachanga” slacklines, Tarzan vines and a 22-meter (72 feet) rappel (maximum weight of 120 kg or 264 lbs. for rappelling).
- Mayan Ceremony: delve into nature’s marvels and participate in an authentic Blessing Ceremony with the aroma of copal incense performed by a Mayan shaman from the community.
- Traditional Meal: savor the flavors of dishes made with ingredients from our organic garden, including “chayitas” and fresh flavored water drinks.
- 5:30-6:30 pm (approximate arrival to hotels in tourist areas based on their locations).
The expedition includes groups no larger than 20 people per van, traditional lunch, water, continental breakfast on board, archaeological tour guide, entrance fee to Ek Balam, equipment required for activities, towels and lockers.
Recommendations
Bring comfortable shoes, bathing suit, light clothing, rash guard shirts, a change of clothing, money in cash or credit card for purchase of souvenirs and photos. The use of sunblock is not permitted, even for those identified as being biodegradable.
Important
This expedition could represent overexertion for persons with disabilities and/or future mothers. Children may enjoy the expedition if they are aged 6 and over. Persons under the influence of alcohol or toxic substances are prohibited from participating. For safety, hands must remain free at all times, and as such we do not allow the use of photographic cameras (including mobile devices like cellular phones and tablets) aboard the boats, unless they are “Action Cam”-style (Go Pro) cameras, provided they are affixed during the whole excursion to a chest or head mount. This tour could have certain restrictions due to weather or operational conditions.